Senator Dianne Feinstein is recovering at home after a brief hospital visit following a fall in her house. According to her office, the senator went to the hospital as a precautionary measure, but all her scans came back clear, and she was able to return home.
ABC News independently confirmed that Feinstein tripped and fell over a chair in her house on Tuesday afternoon. While the fall was minor, it highlights the dangers of falls for older adults. Falls are the leading cause of injury death for adults over 65, causing over 36,000 deaths in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, three million older people are treated for falls in emergency departments each year.
In another development, Feinstein’s daughter, Katherine Feinstein, has been granted power of attorney over her mother in an ongoing legal matter. Katherine Feinstein has filed a lawsuit against the trust of Richard Blum, Feinstein’s late husband who passed away last year. In a court document, Katherine Feinstein is listed as the senator’s “attorney in fact,” indicating that she has power of attorney over her mother. The reasons for granting power of attorney are not clear, and Feinstein’s office declined to comment, stating that it is a private legal matter.
The American Bar Association notes that there are various reasons for awarding someone power of attorney, including convenience and precautionary purposes. It is not uncommon for older or wealthier individuals to appoint someone power of attorney.
This is not the first time Feinstein has faced health issues. Earlier this year, she was hospitalized with a case of shingles and returned to the Capitol in May after her recovery at home. Her absence during her hospitalization caused frustration among some members of her party, as Republicans could block Democrats from voting on President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees in the Senate Judiciary Committee without her presence. Some members of the party, including California Rep. Ro Khanna and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, argued that Feinstein should step down to prevent potential harm to the federal judiciary.
Feinstein, however, expressed her commitment to resuming her work on the Judiciary Committee and addressing important issues, such as ensuring the government does not default on its financial obligations. She also looks forward to considering the president’s judicial nominees.
As Senator Feinstein continues her recovery at home, her health and legal matters remain under close observation.
How can technology, such as fall detection devices, help in reducing the risk of falls among older adults
Er study by the National Council on Aging, falls among older adults cost the US healthcare system over $50 billion annually. This includes the costs of hospital stays, rehabilitation services, and long-term care.
The consequences of falls can be severe for older adults, often leading to fractures, head injuries, and disabilities. These injuries can significantly impact their quality of life and independence. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of falls among this vulnerable population.
Experts recommend various strategies to prevent falls, including:
1. Regular exercise: Engaging in physical activities that improve strength, balance, and coordination can help reduce the risk of falls. Exercises like walking, tai chi, and yoga are particularly beneficial.
2. Medication management: Certain medications can cause dizziness or increase the risk of falls. It is important to review medications regularly with healthcare providers and avoid any that pose a risk.
3. Home modifications: Creating a safe living environment is key. This includes removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting, and ensuring well-maintained stairs and handrails.
4. Regular vision and hearing check-ups: Poor vision or hearing can contribute to falls. Regular check-ups can identify any issues and help address them promptly.
5. Adequate footwear: Wearing well-fitted, non-slip shoes with proper support is essential to reduce the risk of falls.
6. Assistive devices: Using assistive devices like canes, walkers, or grab bars can provide stability and prevent falls.
7. Fall detection devices: There are now wearable devices available that can detect falls and automatically alert emergency services or caregivers. These devices can be especially useful for those living alone.
While falls are a common concern for older adults, they are not inevitable. By taking proactive steps to address risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of experiencing a fall and the associated injuries. Regular exercise, home modifications, and medication management are just a few of the ways to promote safety and well-being in older adults, allowing them to age gracefully and independently.
Wishing Sen. Feinstein a speedy recovery and sending well wishes to her and her family during this time.